Alcohol Policy
| POLICY STATEMENT |
Delta State University is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment to students, employees, and visitors at all academic, cultural, athletic, and social events. Therefore, Delta State University prohibits the unlawful possession, sale, distribution, and consumption of Alcohol on university property or as part of any university activity. This policy applies to the conduct of any registered student organization in connection with an event sponsored by that organization, whether or not the event is held on or off campus.
This policy applies to students, registered student organizations, faculty and staff, and any other person on University property or driving a university vehicle. All students, employees, and visitors must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, IHL policies, and University policies regarding the possession, sale, distribution, and consumption of Alcohol.
Any Student or Employee failing to observe the Alcohol Policy will be subject to sanctions by the University in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. For students, sanctions may include suspension or expulsion. For employees, sanctions may include disciplinary action up to termination of employment.
| DEFINITIONS |
Alcoholic Beverages: are any Alcoholic liquid (excluding “Beer” and “Light Wine”) more than (5%) Alcohol by weight. [see Miss. Code. Ann. § 67-1-5 (a)]
Beer: any malt beverage no more than 8% Alcohol by weight. [see Miss. Code. Ann. § 67-3-3 (d)]
Employee: includes all faculty and staff employed at Delta State University, whether full-time or part-time.
Light Wine: is wine no more than 5% Alcohol by weight. [see Miss. Code. Ann. § 67-3-3 (e)]
Minor: persons under the legal drinking age, as defined by the State of Mississippi.
Student: includes all persons enrolled at Delta State University, whether full-time or part-time.
University Community: all faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, guests, visitors, and community members.
The term “Alcohol” is used throughout this policy as a collective reference to Beer, Light Wine and Alcoholic Beverages.
| PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES |
Statement of Purpose
At Delta State University, diversity of opinion and freedom of choice involves the exercise of personal responsibility that includes the obligation to make sound judgments regarding the use of Alcohol. The abuse of Alcohol by members of the Delta State University community is incompatible with the goals of the institution. In order to further the university’s commitment to provide a healthy and productive educational environment, DSU has established a policy on Alcohol use. This policy is an important and necessary part of the overall commitment of a comprehensive Alcohol education program at DSU. In addition to these guidelines, the most important factor in the reduction of alcohol-related problems is the human capacity to act responsibly. Therefore, the university has an expectation that individuals and groups know and understand the risk and liability associated with the consumption of Alcoholic Beverages.
Standards of Conduct
This policy applies to all members of the University Community and applies to all activities conducted on university owned property, at university sponsored events (including events hosted/sponsored by registered student organizations), and university vehicles. It is the responsibility of all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and their guests with relevant federal, state, and local laws as well as the standards, procedures, and guidelines for the possession, use, and distribution of Alcohol as outlined in this policy.
Illegal Possession, Consumption and Distribution
Underaged drinking is unlawful. No person under 21 is allowed to possess, consume, purchase or serve Alcohol on campus or in a university vehicle.
No person may buy, sell, serve or otherwise provide Alcohol to anyone under 21.
Alcohol use, even for persons of the legal age limit, is only authorized to the extent that applicable law, regulation, IHL or University policy allow. The distribution of Alcohol without a permit is unlawful and prohibited.
False Identification
It is unlawful to provide false information about your name, age or identity to purchase Alcohol. The use of another person’s identification, an altered identification, or a “fake ID” to obtain Alcohol for yourself or others is prohibited.
High Risk or Rapid Consumption
Binge drinking, drinking games, chugging contests and rapid consumption techniques, by their nature, promote the abusive use and consumption of Alcohol. These activities, as well as the use of funnels, vaporizers, beer bongs or any other device to ingest Alcohol at a rapid pace are prohibited.
Alcohol-Related Misconduct
Persons intoxicated, impaired or otherwise under the influence of Alcohol are responsible for their conduct, including any damage they may cause to person or property. Disorderly, disruptive or unlawful behavior either attendant to or associated with Alcohol use is prohibited.
Public Intoxication
All persons of legal drinking age are required to act and drink responsibly. Public intoxication or being impaired or visibly overcome by the consumption of Alcohol is prohibited.
Unattended or Unsecured Alcohol
Alcohol left in plain view or unattended and unsecured is subject to inspection and may be confiscated and discarded.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of Alcohol or driving while intoxicated is unlawful and prohibited.
Sale of Beer and Light Wine
Beer or Light Wine may be sold only in certain, designated stationary locations approved by the President of Delta State University. The sale of Beer or Light Wine is prohibited in administrative, academic, and student-designated buildings.
President-approved instances of the sale of Beer or Light Wine must follow requirements for Alcohol being sold under a lawfully issued permit or through the contracted services of a licensed caterer, and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, IHL policies, and university policies.
Sales are prohibited in aisles, general seating areas, and student sections of any facility or event.
Any Beer or Light Wine offered for sale shall be dispensed in University-issued cups. No more than two cups of any beverage (Beer or Light Wine) may be sold to one person in one transaction. Any unfinished Beer or Light Wine must be discarded before exiting the facility or event.
The University reserves the right to refuse to sell Beer or Light Wine to any person, at any time or place.
Prohibited Transactions
No Beer or Light Wine shall be sold, purchased or otherwise provided to an individual below the legal drinking age (21 years old).
No Beer or Light Wine shall be sold to an individual visibly overcome by Alcohol, visibly intoxicated, or reasonably believed to be intoxicated. Any alcohol-impaired or intoxicated person(s) may be detained and examined to determine whether medical treatment is necessary to ensure their health and safety.
No outside Alcohol is permitted in a Delta State facility or event.
Customer Identification
Every individual who purchases Beer or Light Wine must present a valid, government-issued ID. Acceptable forms of identification are a valid driver’s license, a government-issued identification card, a US Department of Defense military identification card, and a valid passport. Student IDs and University-issued IDs will not be accepted. Only individuals who present the proper ID Band may purchase Beer or Light Wine.
Administrative and Academic Buildings
The sale, distribution, possession, and consumption of Alcohol in administrative and academic buildings is prohibited, unless prior written permission is received from the President of Delta State University. Approved instances must follow requirements for Alcohol being served under a lawfully issued permit or through the contracted services of a licensed caterer, and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, IHL policies, and university policies.
University Sponsored Events
The sale, distribution, possession, and consumption of Alcohol at university sponsored events is prohibited, unless prior written permission is received from the President of Delta State University. Approved instances must follow requirements for being served under a lawfully issued permit or through the contracted services of a licensed caterer, and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, IHL policies, and university policies.
University Vehicles
The use, possession, or consumption of Alcoholic Beverages is strictly prohibited in all university vehicles.
Sale of Beer and Light Wine at Delta State Athletic Facilities
In an effort to prevent excessive or binge-drinking, the university has authorized the sale of Beer and Light Wine at certain athletic events and other events/performances held at Delta State Athletic facilities. These facilities include Travis E. Parker Field/Horace McCool Stadium, Walter Sillers Coliseum, University Field, and Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The sale of Beer or Light Wine at any Delta State Athletics facility must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, GSC polices, IHL policies, and university policies. Although the sale of Beer and Light Wine is authorized, the sale of Alcoholic Beverages, as defined under Miss. Code Ann. § 67-1-5 (a), is prohibited at any Delta State athletics event.
Stop Times
| The sale of Beer or Light Wine will not be permitted after the stop time listed below per sport: | |
| Baseball* | End of top of 7th inning of Last Game |
| Basketball-Men* | Second Half of 12-Minute Media Timeout |
| Basketball-Women* | End of 3rd Quarter |
| Football | End of 3rd Quarter |
| Softball* | End of top of 5th inning of Last Game |
| Other Sport | No Later than Completion of 75% of Regulation-Length Competition |
*In the event of a double-header, stop time will be whichever is later.
Possible Sanctions, Discipline or Punishment
The conduct prohibited by this policy may be unlawful in certain instances. As such, any person who violates this policy risks detainment by the police, arrest, criminal prosecution or civil liability.
In addition to the above punishment, students, registered student organizations and University faculty and staff who violate this policy are subject to University sanctions or disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion or termination.
As part of its duty to protect the health and safety of all persons on campus, the University reserves the right to impose additional penalties on anyone who violates this policy. These penalties include, but are not limited to, revoked ticket privileges, restricted or revoked access to University property or athletics events.
Health Risks
Delta State University recognizes that Alcohol abuse is harmful. Medical research reveals that such behavior is a causative factor in heart, liver, and gastrointestinal diseases as well as in various cancers and brain damage. The abuse of Alcohol and other drugs is not only destructive to the physical health, but it also erodes the self-discipline and motivation necessary for learning. Pervasive Alcohol abuse creates an environment that is destructive to learning and working.
Counseling Programs
The university makes available to all its students and employees the services of the Counseling Center (O.W. Reily Health Center, 846-4690). In addition to offering direct services to students and employees experiencing problems with Alcohol or substance abuse, the Counseling Center provides referral services to several centers for Alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation in the area.
Responsible Office and/or Policy Owner: Office of Human Resources
| RELATED DOCUMENTS |
- None
| STATUS |
Active
| DATES(S) |
Change/Review/Approval Date:
Policy Effective Date:
Approved by Cabinet: 08/23/2021
Approved by Cabinet: 09/23/2013
